When Did You Reintroduce Dairy?

[KristinIrwin]

Hi all!

I have been gluten free since May 1st and I finally feel almost 100% back to my healthy self, thank goodness.

I also gave up dairy as recommended by my doctor. I was wondering how soon you guys were able to have dairy again after you gave it up?

I know the only way to see if I can tolerate it again is to try eating it, but I'm just feeling so great and don't want to mess it up!

Hearing some of your experiences would be helpful!

Thanks,

Kristin

[june27]

Hi Kristen,

 

I gave up gluten and dairy (and a few other items) last February after getting some bloodwork that suggested I might have some food sensitivities.  Prior to starting the diet, I was diagnosed with celiac.  I have been able to bring back all of the other items that I eliminated, except dairy.  

 

After 2 months of the diet, I tried introducing dairy (hard cheese and yogurt - 1 serving of each per day), but my allergies went crazy.  So, I cut diary back out again....until recently.  I am in the middle of doing a dairy challenge right now.  As you introduce it back, keep a diary of any symptoms - for me, I pay attention to digestive issues and nasal allergies.  And try not to overdo it - dairy can be tough to digest (particularly if you haven't been eating it for a while).  

 

I have been trying foods one at a time - 1-2 servings a day with meals for 1 week.  If no symptoms, then I can keep the food and try another.  If I have issues, then I take that food out, and do not continue to the next food.  I would probably keep it out for another 6 months before doing another challenge.  

week 1 - goat cheese - no issues

week 2 - hard cheese (cheddar and provolone were the ones I tried) - no issues.  these are low in lactose.

week 3 - soft cheeses (I am in day 2 of enjoying mozzeralla and havarti)

week 4 - yogurt - hopefully I have no issues with the soft cheese and I can move on to this.

Each time I try a new version of dairy, I stop eating the others - that way if I have a reaction, I know what it is from.

 

I am guessing that milk would be the next item on the list, but I haven't gotten that far yet.

 

Good luck!

[nvsmom]

I gave up dairy about 10 month ago, and I'm a bit gun shy - I still haven't reintroduced it back into my diet.  To be honest, I am pretty used to not having it now and don't really miss it... well, I miss cheese a bit, but my oldest son is df too so I am partially staying df to support him.

 

I have had small amounts of ice cream and whipped cream on cupcakes this summer and had pretty mild reactions to it, of course it could have just been caused by the junky/sugary foods too. I do find I feel better without dairy, but my autoimmune response hasn't stopped yet so I might still have damaged villi (where enzymes to digest lactose are made).

 

Most seem to need 6 months to feel better. You might want to give it a bit longer before welcoming dairy back.

 

Best wishes.

[IrishHeart]

I reintroduced dairy at about 9 months. I was quite ill at DX and I took an extra few months before trying it.

 

Most celiacs can tolerate dairy after 3-6 months , some never get it back and some, never had to give it up at all.

[dilettantesteph]

I waited until I wasn't having any more D.

[1desperateladysaved]

I didn't cut out all dairy, but had only butter.  I have been gluten free for 18 months.  At about a year gluten free my physician asked me to cut out all Dairy, so I did.   I am waiting for the villi to heal really well before I try any.  I think I will know that the villi have healed well when I appear to be absorbing all the nutrients I need.

 

Some people can use goat milk when they don't tolerate cow milk.  I couldn't.  I had antibodies to goat milk.  Anyone care to buy some dairy goats?  Just kidding, we only have 2 pet goats left.

 

D

[AlwaysLearning]

This isn't related to celiac at all, but really interesting. It talks about how dairy products have been eaten historically and explains why some people continue to be able to tolerate milk into adulthood while 2/3 of the world population cannot.

Open Original Shared Link